Concealment holster for an N frame?

[YosemiteSam]

I want to start carrying my 3" 624. It's a big sucker, and 37 oz in weight. I use Rafter-S belts, and am going to need a good holster.

I usually use an IWB with my semi autos, even the full size ones (Andrews Leather MacDaniel II is a favorite). I'm not sure this is a viable option with the N frame's cylinder width.

I'm thinking a high ride OWB might be the best option for a revolver. I usually wear a vest in the summer, or a jacket in the winter, so coverage isn't an issue, but I don't want it so low slung it's poking out under my vest. Covered muzzle would probably be best too, "just in case".

I've looked at Simply Rugged, Fist, El Paso, and DM Bullard, among others. Nothing has really jumped out at me, though I do like the EPS "Sky Six". I'm just not sure if it's strong enough to support a gun the size of the 624.

I'll tell you right off, I'm not a big fan of 6 month+ wait times, so some of the big names are out of contention for me. That said, I do really like the design of the Milt Sparks 200AW, specifically the hammer shroud. However, their line, "Because of its heavy duty design, [it] is best described as being a field, or range type holster" has me a little concerned about its viability as a concealment holster.

Does anyone know of a holster that would suit my needs that I may not have looked at?

-- Sam

 

[Odinkar]

Try haughen handgun leather. HE has some good looking holsters. If I ever get a Model 28 I'm planning to get one of his.

 

[44forever]

Fist

I use a Fist IWB (model 21B, I think) for a 5" 629, find it very comfortable. For OWB, consider the Bianchi Cyclone. There is also a less well known maker (or at least used to be) called Strong that has(had) some usefull OWB designs. You might also look at the Shadow (Safariland or Bianchi?).

 

[YosemiteSam]

I use a Fist IWB (model 21B, I think) for a 5" 629, find it very comfortable. For OWB, consider the Bianchi Cyclone. There is also a less well known maker (or at least used to be) called Strong that has(had) some usefull OWB designs. You might also look at the Shadow (Safariland or Bianchi?).

Thanks. I tried tucking the (unloaded) gun into my waistband without a holster, and I guess it's not too bad after all. I do tend to prefer IWB since it gives good support.

I'll continue my search...

-- Sam

 

[flop-shank]

I use either a FIST canted kydex/leather hybrid clip IWB, or a Sparks VM-II for my 5" full underlug 629. Both are open bottomed and made for a 4" gun.

 

[GLV]

Try a Hume H 721 OT. Cheap and pretty available. I use one for my 25-14, 46oz loaded, and also for my 325PD. Have one in 4" for my 629 and 28.

 

[aterry33]

It's hard to imagine a clip holster working for such a big revolver (never tried it though).

 

[Rangerpat]

I just got a Kramer Leather scabbard holster OWB for my 329 and am very pleased with it; wait time was 12 weeks... but worth it.

 

[Bob R]

For an IWB I use a Milt Sparks VersaMax 2. It is well worth the wait to get it made.

For OWB, Mike Taurisano makes a great High ride concealment holster. He can have it done in about 3 weeks and will chat with you to make sure you are getting what you need.

http://www.taurisholsters.com/index.cfm

I have one of his reinforced high ride holsters that I carry a 610 in. It works great, I also had him do a modified semi-high ride for open carry.

Right now, I can't use the high ride due to a shoulder injury, if you would like to borrow it for a while and see if it works for you, you are more than welcome.

Depending where in OR you are, I will be in Medford for a couple of days in 2 weeks, and then driving up through Bend back to Spokane.

It is for a 4" 610, but should fit your N frame just fine.

Let me know, I am leaving on a 2 week road trip tomorrow and would be able to send it to you for trial when I get back.

Oops, BTW, it is a LH holster. But it will give you an idea of how it rides.

bob

 

[photoman]

Your best bet is going to be a quality pancake holster. Someone mentioned the Kramer belt scabbard and I can recommend that one also.

Let us know if you're still carrying that boat anchor six months from now.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Bob R, thanks so much for the generous offer! I sent you a PM.

Thanks to others, too. There's a lot of nice stuff out there.

-- Sam

 

[flop-shank]

It's hard to imagine a clip holster working for such a big revolver (never tried it though).

It always gets people cringing when I say this, but my first summer in Ft. Benning, Georgia forever cured me of underwear. With the leather holster up against my bare skin, it forms a "stick" so that my skin helps keep the holster in place and even helps support the weight of the three pound gun I carry. I don't know if my system would work if I wore underwear. I've also found that the naugahyde that my Mika IWB (L frame) is made from sticks a little too agressively at times and that can get uncomfortable. Natural leather is just right. Of course a dual layer bullhide belt from www.thebeltman.net seals the deal and makes a three pound gun as comfortable as possible.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Safariland Shadow Holster worn behind my right hip works for me.
Jimmy

 

[keith44spl]

Sam,

I've carried 3"-3 1/2" N frames for years...The best concealment holster (for me anyway) are the high ride style.

Here's a pic of one of mine with a 3" 24. It rides high enough to get the cylinder above the belt line. A good gun belt is a must for any handgun of suitable caliber and weight for social carry.

El Paso Saddlery makes a similar holster called the 'Tortilla' or some such.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[YosemiteSam]

Sam,

I've carried 3"-3 1/2" N frames for years...The best concealment holster (for me anyway) are the high ride style.

Here's a pic of one of mine with a 3" 24. It rides high enough to get the cylinder above the belt line. A good gun belt is a must for any handgun of suitable caliber and weight for social carry.

[ beautiful pic redacted ]

El Paso Saddlery makes a similar holster called the 'Tortilla' or some such.

Su Amigo,
Dave

Thanks Dave. How is the balance, for lack of a better word, for a holster that rides that high? I was thinking that the heavy cylinder and grip sticking up above the belt mounting point would tend to make it flop around more. I assume the leather has to be extra stiff to make this work.

I happen to have an EP Tortilla, but for a semi auto. I wouldn't say it was a particularly high ride holster, fwiw. Now, their Sky Six, that looks like it rides pretty high, but I'm wondering if something like that is heavy enough to support the 624.

So far I've found one inexpensive leather holster that has just about everything I'm looking for (Shado Leather Thumbreak), and one very nice, but very expensive custom, made specifically for my gun, and ready to be shipped.

The comment above about "carrying that boat anchor six months from now" does strike a chord; I have several carry options, from a PPS to an all steel Commander, and while the 624 would be the heaviest, it's only by a few ounces. I do have good belts, all of my holsters are of at least reasonable quality, and do a good job of supporting whatever gun I have. I also don't have to worry about carrying all day every day, due to my job.

Still, I'm not sure I want to invest in artisan leatherwork only to have my carry package displaced by a more logical choice as soon as I change my mind again.

-- Sam

 

[Airedale]

I use CABO holsters for IWB. I have them for K and N frames and for the 1911. (CABO=Carry a Big One)

They are relatively inexpensive and readily available. I have many holsters from name makers but tend to use my CABOs.

Cabo Holsters Home

Dave

 

[flop-shank]

The comment above about "carrying that boat anchor six months from now" does strike a chord; I have several carry options, from a PPS to an all steel Commander, and while the 624 would be the heaviest, it's only by a few ounces. I do have good belts, all of my holsters are of at least reasonable quality, and do a good job of supporting whatever gun I have. I also don't have to worry about carrying all day every day, due to my job.

I don't carry my 5" 629 all day, every day, but find that the more and the longer I carry it, the less it bothers me.

 

[keith44spl]

Thanks Dave. How is the balance, for lack of a better word, Sam

Sam,

Well it's a hip huggin' son of a gun. The gun belt is about 2 1/8" wide, the holster is made from 4 layers of molding leather, so she's pretty stiff in construction and has about 1 3/4" below the belt, this keeps the top tucked against the strong side and doesn't canting away from my upper body. The idea of the cylinder being above the belt line is of course to lessen the profile.

I've found this style very comfortable for all day carry with heavy revolvers as well as full size Gov't 1911s.
Like I said it just works for me.

Or if I'm not as concerned about concealment I might wear something like this rig with a HD converted to 44Spl;

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[potthawg]

N Frame IWB

Don't discount Lobo Gunleather for a quality holster at very reasonable prices.
I use Sparks VM IIs and Dual Talons for my bottom feeders.
Lobo, while not quite as nice,is well worth the price.

 

[dirtygrunt95]

I will second LOBO gunleather. I carry a 4" model 22 or 25 mtn gun and have no problem.